Very Firm Brake Pedal
 

Happy Easter,

So, any ideas for why after bleeding my 1940 3/4 ton brakes I have such a firm pedal that it hardly moves at all?

I rebuilt the master cylinder, fixed a few leaks, used speed bleeders for the bleed. I did not remove the hubs to check or adjust anything since I did not have the proper hub remover. I did not adjust the pedal rod. Brake pedal spring is in place.

Thanks.

Dale

Re: Very Firm Brake Pedal
 

Adjust the brake pedal rod!!

Re: Very Firm Brake Pedal
 

Possible that the brake hoses are clogged/collapsed on the inside.

Re: Very Firm Brake Pedal
 

Adjust the brake pedal rod!!

x2

Re: Very Firm Brake Pedal
 

take it for a ride it may be ok

Re: Very Firm Brake Pedal
 

Copy...will do. Thanks.

Re: Very Firm Brake Pedal
 

Brand new hoses...forgot to say that earlier. Thanks.

Re: Very Firm Brake Pedal
 

I think I will wait to do that until my hub puller arrives and I can make a quick check of the other cylinders and pads and what not. Thanks!

Re: Very Firm Brake Pedal
 

the master cylinder rod should "rattle" or have a small amount of free play or otherwise every time you step on the brake it is building pressure and thus not releasing the brake
cylinders

Re: Very Firm Brake Pedal
 

Had this happen and ended up with rear brakes holding on!!
released at bleeders then adjusted forsome free pedal travel.
Dont drive it in this condition ie nil free pedal travel.
Phil NZ

Re: Very Firm Brake Pedal
 

Grab the brake rod and make sure you can move it in and out at least 1/16" or that it rattles like Alan mentioned above.


Glenn

Re: Very Firm Brake Pedal
 

Like guys said about the master cylinder actuating rod. The plunger returns to be against a snap ring, which fully releases the pressure. It does not work right if that does not happen.

Re: Very Firm Brake Pedal
 

Although probably not your issue, having brand new hoses doesn't guarantee perfection. I've seen them "necked down" in the middle of the hose, right
out of the box. (and these weren't offshore items either)
Five other shops didn't catch the customer's problem, which was a massive
pull to the left under braking.

Re: Very Firm Brake Pedal
 

I agree with the previous advice of adjusting the pedal rod.
It's also possible that dorvedahl47pu has dragging brakes due
to this situation...... which others have also indicated.

Re: Very Firm Brake Pedal
 

you said you rebuilt the master cyl. are you sure you installed the check valve in the right drecation

Re: Very Firm Brake Pedal
 

This bulletin shows the master cylinder parts assembly.